Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Stephen F. Austin State University School of Art welcomed 25 elementary and middle school students this spring to participate in the Saturday Morning Art Program.
Dr. Dan Li, visiting assistant professor of art education, coordinated the program as part of the service-learning component in her art education course.
“Pre-service art teachers have meticulously crafted their lesson plans, integrating various contemporary art education pedagogies such as integrated arts curriculum with ‘big ideas,’ STEAM education and social constructionist art education,” Li explains. “Through these lesson plans, pre-service art teachers put teaching philosophies into practice while fulfilling their service-learning requirements towards the certification process.”
This year brings a cutting-edge addition to SFA art education with the integration of AI tools into the teaching methodologies. Pre-service art teachers are utilizing AI-generated image tools such as Adobe Express, DALL-E and Midjourney in their lesson preparation.
“In the SFA art education program, our aim is to provide high-quality art teacher training,” Li said. “We strive to equip teachers with the skills to instruct across diverse settings, from rural to urban and from low-income to well-resourced communities. Our emphasis lies on contemporary technology, educational pedagogies and a strong studio art foundation, alongside values of professionalism, equity and justice for diverse student populations.”
A one-time pilot program in art education, the Saturday Morning Art Program also served as a community outreach initiative within the School of Art, reflecting a century-long commitment to bringing the joy of art to Nacogdoches, according to Li.
For more information about SFA’s art education program, visit the School of Art website or call (936) 468-4804.